Jul 10, 2017: Safran Landing Systems, the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Aviation Energy and Emissions Solutions, a subsidiary of China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS) to jointly promote electric taxiing solutions in China.

Safran Landing Systems is developing an electric taxiing system that will allow commercial airplanes to taxi without having to use their own jet engines or a tractor. This type of system provides savings on fuel costs of up to 4 percent per year, while also extensively reducing emissions of carbon, nitrogen oxides (NOx), etc.

As part of the agreement, both the companies will present this technology to Chinese airlines and work with them to assess the expected profits. CAEES will offer support to analyse practices related to ground operations and the related regulations applied by Chinese airports. This agreement will also permit the partners to evaluate the expected environmental gains for all stakeholders (airlines, airports, leasing firms and environmental organizations) and to study the electric taxiing system in relation to Chinese CO2 emission quotas and local subsidies.

“The boom in Chinese air traffic has resulted in strong demand for airplane operations, including quick turnarounds, more taxiing, greater airport congestion and increased carbon emissions,” points out Zhang Xiaoshi, Managing Director of CAEES. “That’s why we want to carefully evaluate the expected benefits of electric taxiing for Chinese airlines.”

“We are very proud to announce this strategic partnership with CAEES, which will facilitate our discussions with and access to the different players in the Chinese aviation industry,” notes Vincent Mascré, CEO of Safran Landing Systems. “Being more familiar with their expectations will help us refine our system’s capabilities in order for us to offer a product that meets operational requirements in this part of the world.”